Men’s Fashion

9 Fragrances Similar to Versace Eros for Men

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Versace Eros has been an absolute best seller in the fragrance world, since its release in 2012. It’s still insanely popular to this day. As such, there are plenty of people who are looking for scents, which mimic or come close to what it smells like.

Either because they don’t enjoy one aspect of the cologne or are looking for a cheaper alternative. In this post, I am going to give nine options for men, looking for something that comes close to the aroma of Eros.

Obviously, there are variants of Eros now: EDT, EDP, Parfum, and Flame. I’ll note which of them each selection is closest to as needed. As a default, I’m referring to Eros EDT.

Favorite Scents Like Versace Eros

The Dua Throwback

Greatness by The Dua Brand– I haven’t yet tried this one from Dua, but it’s on my list. Update: I bought a bottle, here’s my review) Greatness is the brand’s impression of the 2012 version of Versace Eros. I really hope that the reviews are correct and this one strikes close to the old bottles of Eros I had in that era.

To me, the older bottles had more balance in the notes, more power, and was just top notch all around. Nowadays, I enjoy Eros much less than my initial love for the scent.

As far as alternatives go, this would be my number one to try, if you want to recreate the Eros aroma and power. I’ve had other bottles from this brand, which have all been very close matches to the designer originals.

Update 2: It did get better, as the months rolled on. Much closer now to the original Eros, than when I initially bought it. So, it can take some time to macerate.

Another Impression Option

Ambery Mint by Dossier- Dossier is another brand that creates impressions or alternative options to popular designer wears. Ambery Mint is their version of Eros. The advantage versus both the Versace and Dua, it’s cheaper.

The price with Ambery Mint is currently $29 (as of this update). So, it’s a steep discount and Dossier is another brand that I’ve had great experiences with.

You get all of the same notes as Eros with this version. The aroma is usually 90% + what you’d get with the designer, but with some slight differences.

If you want the cheapest of a high quality impression of Eros, the Dossier is probably for you.

The Third Impression

Lust by Alt Fragrances– Lust is another inspired take on the Eros sort of style. It’s actually pretty close and also hits for around $30 as of now, like the Dossier above.

It has a nice balance, maybe a bit more spice than its Versace inspiration, early on in the wear. But, after that it comes pretty close to what you’d want. Again, a lot of the inspired by scents don’t have the same depth nor the one to one match in how each note is weighted.

The performance while good, is also a notch below the Versace. Though, at the price point, you could always just add a tad more when you want to wear Lust. The citrus notes are strikingly similar with this one compared to Eros EDT.

Just a Squeeze

Mint Squeeze by Oakcha– Adding a fourth inspired take to the list. Mint Squeeze is Oakcha’s rendition of the Eros EDT formula.

This is one that I have yet to try out, but I’m adding it to the list for now, in case someone wants to give it a go. Oakcha does have a good reputation and this should be an easy cologne to mimic.

It’s price is also about $30 (as of posting).

The Other Eros

Versace Eros Flame for men EDP spray, 3.4 Ounce, Red– Let’s start out the list, with Eros Flame, a flanker fragrance of the original released in 2018. Obviously, this one shares plenty of DNA with its predecessor, but takes things in a different direction.

Flame also opens up with a bright lemon citrus note, but is joined by tangerine, instead of the apple found in the original. Flame has a warmer and woodsier profile, with strong notes of rosemary.

Plus, black pepper taking over for the mint note. I have done a full comparison, between these two colognes, but I do prefer Eros over Flame still.

This one never fully clicked for me. I bought it as soon as it came out, liked parts of Flame, but overall thought it was just fine. Others seem to have this as their favorite Eros release. So, I’ll add it to this list. My Eros Flame Review

The Closest Designer Scent

English Laundry Oxford Bleu Eau de Parfum, 3.4 fl. oz.– Probably the closest thing to a of Eros match, on the market. Similar ingredients yield a similar smell, but still not exact. Oxford Bleu opens up with the same lemon, mint, and apple.

However, the lemon isn’t nearly as strong as in Eros. Beyond that, the tonka bean is ramped up here, and mint is calmed down.

It’s like a quieter cousin of Eros, rather than, a twin brother. Nonetheless, this is a really nice cologne, but don’t expect the same level of performance.

1981 Similarities

Guess 1981 Los Angeles, 3.4 Oz– Guess 1981 has a lot of similarities with its style in comparison to Eros EDT and EDP. It sort of leans more towards the latter.

It starts off with bergamot and plum, a bit sweet and tart. Then, an aromatic blend of ginger and pepper. So, the tartness is in the form of plum instead of lemon, and the bergamot citrus has more of a slightly sour aroma.

It’s fresh and cold at first with a pretty big dose of mint outshining the spices and geranium note. As it dries down, it will feel herbal and warm with an amber base. This is when it really starts to have its Eros-like qualities. Not exact, but still a nice alternative.

It retains its fresh spices, gains woodiness (vetiver and sandalwood), loses much of the fruity sweetness, then comes with an attractive powdery finish.

Creamy Citrus and Floral

Mandarina Duck Black Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– This is the original Mandarina Duck Black, I have the Extreme version, which I think is the better fragrance. However, it’s been discontinued and becoming harder to come by.

The good news, is that, both Duck Black’s are very similar to one another and do give you a related experience to Eros. Duck Black has a citrus opening act with a warmer profile than does the Versace. Pepper is in place of the mint and the other fresh spices.

Here, you get tangerine and grapefruit. The similarities come with the vanilla and tonka bean notes, which gives you a sweet and creamy balance of notes. Yet, this one can be used in the warmer months of the year.

You will get more floral notes with this cologne. Tiare and orange flower.


A Great Alternative

MONTBLANC Legend Night Eau De Parfum, 3.3 Fl Oz– Legend Night is still an underappreciated men’s fragrance, but does share many similarities with the subject of this post.

Legend Night is most like Eros, at the beginning, when it features the vanilla, mint, and candied apple trio.

Update: This seems to be limited as to which stores carry it now, but isn’t officially discontinued, I don’t think (as of this update). You can still get cheaper bottles online.

Don’t expect the same level of citrus, though, but there is still a nice bergamot top note. As it dries down, it becomes a warm and ‘green’ fragrance, with added sage and cardamom.

This is the least similar of the three options, but does occupy the same branch of the fragrance world, as Eros. They have overlapping ingredients and styles, but end up as fairly distinct scents. I do love this stuff and have a full bottle. Legend Night Review

There’s my list of potential Eros alternatives for men, for now. I will come back and update this list, as needed, if any other cheaper options show up on the market. For now, these are your best bets for an Eros-like experience, but if you want the real thing…just get the original.

6 Fragrances Similar to La Nuit de L’Homme

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La Nuit remains a very popular scent and YSL has created a bunch of different flanker fragrances, using its name as a draw. However, some of the recent batches, don’t seem to have the same staying power as the older ones. Plus, La Nuit de L’Homme can be expensive to buy, especially when you don’t get the same value.

So, what are your options, if you’re a guy who wants a similar experience or cheaper alternative to this cologne? In this post, I want to present six options which may do the job for you.

Cologne Alternatives to La Nuit de L’Homme

 

Midnight Inspiration

Midnight Rendezvous by Dua Brand– So, updating this page, I have now found an inspired by alternative to, La Nuit. If you want a cheaper fragrance that tries to match the YSL version, this one from Dua is it.

Midnight Rendezvous is based on the vintage 2010 formula of La Nuit and is a more concentrated extrait de parfum. 

I haven’t tried this one in particular from Dua, but I’ve owned over 10 of their scents at this point. They really strike close to what you want from this designer colognes. There are a ton of reviews for this one and are overwhelming saying that Dua hit the mark with Midnight Rendezvous.

There is usually a slight maceration process, meaning it can be a few months, before it fully develops and really hits its best. But, even the initial uses are still very good, these scents just get better thereafter.

The Other La Nuit

Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme Frozen Cologne Spray, 3.3 Ounce– I’m going to start with this flanker, just to give it a mention, but it has been discontinued. Frozen was a different take on La Nuit de L’homme, with more citrus, spiciness, and geranium.

If you can find a bottle, it is worth a try, because it has better performance than the newer bottles of La Nuit. If you can find a bottle, I doubt it will be cheap, but I’m putting it here anyway.

Best Cheaper Option

F by Ferragamo Black By Salvatore Ferragamo For Men Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 3.4 Fl. oz./100 ml– Ferragamo Black is one of the most popular, if not the most popular men’s fragrance of this design house. This is probably because of its similarities to La Nuit by YSL. Yes, it does smell quite a bit like our target, but not exactly.

It features a very prominent lavender note, which is paired with crisp apple from the opening, this is a familiar aroma in a lot of men’s scents. Later, the smooth creamy tonka bean emerges with a sharp black pepper note, to give it a nice masculine edge.

It clean, fresh, and dry…but doesn’t have that cardamom note. Really, for the price, this is probably the best cheap option for a La Nuit ‘clone’. Even if, it isn’t exact. 

Geranium Fresh with Sweetness

Trussardi Riflesso Uomo Eau De Toilette Spray 100Ml– This one is an interesting fragrance, with a mid-tier price. It’s has plenty of similarities to La Nuit, but features a creamy tonka bean note and geranium, in lieu of the cardamom.

It’s got that fresh spicy feeling up top, but then, transitions into a very lovely sweetly floral fragrance, with a nice tonka/apple combo.

The apple and grapefruit are fresh and adds some sweetness to the top of this fragrance. Of course, with the violet leaf and those two fruit notes, there is a watery aroma here, that is more pronounced than what we get with the YSL.

The apple is really a separator between it and La Nuit, along with that lack of cardamom. It’s style is similar even if it’s not the same exact smell, and Riflesso also has elements of Mont Blanc Legen, but it leans closer to our target versus that cologne.

 

Close to La Nuit but Spicier

Ombré Noir 60ML (Alexandria Fragrances)– Ombre Noir isn’t a super cheap option, more middle of the pack, but does have a very similar overall profile to that of La Nuit. The opening act is different, however, this feels spicier and drier than the YSL.

Then, after a while, the two do become very close in terms of how they smell. You of course get the cardamom, hint of citrus, and lavender. All of this sits on top of fresh cedar.

The performance is pretty good, as well. If you can find a bottle for $40 or less, it’d be a good La Nuit substitute.

Warmer, Sweeter, and Vanilla 

Halloween Perfumes Shot Men’s Edt Spray, 4.2 Ounce– I like this one. However, it isn’t an exact copy of La Nuit. Halloween Man Shot is more of a mix between the YSL fragrance and Legend Night from Mont Blanc.

Man Shot actually has the cardamom note, like La Nuit, but features a strong vanilla, powdery iris, and boozy undertones.

Halloween Man Shot is warmer, sweeter, and more enveloping than is La Nuit. I don’t think it’s nearly as good, but it is much cheaper. It’s sort of like how the original Halloween Man is like 1 Million by Paco Rabanne.

Although, this is probably a better example of a cheaper alternative cologne. Again, this isn’t a clone, but provides a similar foundation while giving the wearer a new experience.

5 Colognes Similar to 1 Million Elixir

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1 Million Elixir is one of the more recent flankers of the long running and best-selling 1 Million line from Paco Rabanne. Now, maybe you like this scent a lot, but want something a little different. Maybe you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative that smells a lot like it.

Well, I’m going to present options on this list that have a similar style or give an inspired by take on the Elixir formula.

Fragrances that smell like 1 Million Elixir

million elixir review

Inspired Option

Error 419 by Dua– This is one of the ‘Error’ scents that Dua releases, where they don’t use the designer’s name in their ‘inspired by’ formula. 419 is a mimic of 1 Million Elixir.

Basically, if you want a cheaper alternative that tries to smell as close to Elixir as possible, this is currently the best bet.

You still get the apple, davana, vanilla, etc. It’s all there and in an extrait de parfum formula. I haven’t tried this one from Dua, but I have bought probably 12+ fragrances of this sort from them in the past. The usually hit the mark extremely close.

Absolutely a Similar Style

Stronger with You Absolutely– Sweet, warmth, and vanilla are going to be the main overlaps between Absolutely and Elixir. These two are not identical, but share a lot in terms of style.

With Elixir, I get plenty of the amber note. With this Armani, it’s a mix of the resinous elemi and the ‘glaze’ of that signature chestnut note. They both have a hint of smoke at times.

This one is spicier and has a boozy rum note in there too. Sweet, the dry down is where they feel closest to one another. Absolutely is close to being my favorite of the SWY series, but that’s currently a title held by Intensely.

Again, though, they never quite match perfectly. This is one to check out if you’re a fan of Elixir, but want to switch things up. I might slightly prefer Absolutely to Elixir, but it’s more of an even contest.  Stronger Absolutely Review

Royal Relation

1 Million Royal– 1 Million, Elixir, and Le Male Airlines are fragrances that I would use to describe what 1 Million Royal smells like.

I bought a full bottle of this when it came out. The main similarities with Elixir are the amber and the sweetness. However, this one really comes out with a spiciness provided by the cardamom note, ala, Le Male Airlines.

Lighter on the vanilla. But, that benzoin, cedar, amber and general 1 Million foundation is all there. But, Royal having a split in terms of fragrance influences, it’s going to have a different smell beyond those similarities.

The back half of the wear gives you a stronger lavender influence, with a fuzzy sort of vanilla, woods, and the remaining cardamom spice.

Another one that stands separate from Elixir, but some of you might prefer this edition to our target scent. Royal Review

Victory 

Invictus Victory– Victory or Victory Elixir are two alternatives by Paco Rabanne, that you might like more than 1 Million Elixir. These do have the sweetness, but the openings of each aren’t too similar to what we’re after.

The dry down is where its at. Vanilla, tonka bean, amber, wood. Both of these Invictus flankers have a closely related middle and finishing act to 1 Million Elixir.

I’m not even much of a fan of Invictus as a line, but these two are actually really good and are colognes you’d probably be into if you like Elixir.

Personally, I think Victory Elixir is a bit better than the original Victory. Smoother with slightly better performance than its predecessor. Not a massive gap between them, but a really good option, that isn’t like the original Invictus; but is closer to this 1 Million flanker.

Another Elixir

Le Male Elixir– Probably the least like our target, out of the bunch. But, it has style elements that make me put it on the list.

Vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin are the notes most reminiscent of 1 Million Elixir. This one has a strong mint, up top, with a powerful sweetness. Warm, somewhat cloying, and intense. Honey and tobacco also have a role to play here.

Not the number 1 pick, as an alternative that smells like our target cologne, but one worth considering in the same ballpark stylistically. Possibly, Ultra Male too.

After having a full bottle of this for a while, I think that I’d lean towards having 1 Million Elixir instead. I would have said I preferred Le Male Elixir at first, but these two have diverged somewhat in my enjoyment of wearing them. Le Male Elixir Review

16 Best Men’s Colognes from the 1980s

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The 1980s was a decade in which men’s fragrance not only got bolder, but the selection really start to expand with the market. Cologne was now starting to become more than a niche aspect of perfumery and designers really began to focus on creating memorable scents for men.

So, what are the most popular or best smelling scents from the 80s? Which stood the test of time from this decade? Here’s my list.

Favorite Men’s Fragrances from the 80s

The list is going to consist of best-sellers and what I think are some of the best smelling scents (and fragrances that land in both categories).

Here are my lists for other decades: The 1970s and 1990s

Overlooked Reinterpretation 

YSL Pour Homme Haute Concentration– When talking about 1980s colognes from Yves Saint Laurent, most people will mean the next entry on my list. However, this remix of a 1971 classic, is just overall a more enjoyable fragrance to me.

The opening is a concentrated Amalfi lemon that is quite intense with a sour quality to it. But, that will be toned down into a ‘dustier’ sort of lemon smell when the oakmoss, petitgrain, and rosemary coming through. Rosemary, is actually quite strong in the composition.

It’s citrusy, spicy, and somewhat green and herbal in the opening stages. Then, it settles down into more of a soapier fresh kind of fragrance. I really enjoy the dry down of this one.

I do hate the splash bottle that this fragrance came in. But, for a 30+ year old gift set scent (complete with ancient soap), this one still holds up and has been getting plenty of use from me. YSL Haute Concentration

Kicked off the Decade

Kouros by YSL– Really, Yves Saint Laurent had a run from 1981 to about 2005-ish, which was unreal in terms of producing classic fragrances. Just banger after banger. That run started out with the release of Kouros.

The modern version? It’s still pretty good. I have a bottle of the Fraicheur version from 1993 and it is much stronger than the current bottles of Kouros…and that was designed as a ‘lighter’ summer edition of this formula.

Much more tame and wearable for the times, while still having the charms of the original. Kouros Review

Classic Jazz

Jazz by Yves Saint Laurent– Jazz is one that has been discontinued and reinstated many times over the decades. Last I checked, it is now discontinued again. But, this late 1980s fragrance really helped to cap the decade for YSL and continued its leadership in this space.

Note: The Dua Brand has their own inspired take on this scent: The Blues.

Coriander and nutmeg kick things off as the main spices. You do also get some slight use of cinnamon and basil notes.

The spice is a nice opening act, but this one is a lavender-led cologne that is dry and has a classic barbershop sensibility.

It does become less spicy, cleaner, sweeter, and more floral. This is super versatile and a modernized take on this older style of scent. Jazz Review

Big Ego

Chanel Egoiste– Egoiste was technically released in 1990. Though, its predecessor Bois Noir was brought to market in 1987. Essentially, they’re the same thing.

Regardless of when you want to date it from, Egoiste is still an amazing fragrance, and absolutely holds up in the modern environment. This is one I wore a lot over the autumn and winter months and got plenty of complements on.

Dry and spicy up top. Coriander and cinnamon really hit hard in the beginning. A bit fruity with mandarin and a sweetness brought about by the pink Damask rose, which plays a fairly large role here.

Tobacco and rose will play plenty of support, but the woods here are the star. Sandalwood, in particular, with some rosewood and light mahogany. Seems like Egoiste will live on in perpetuity. Egoiste Review

1981 Again

Antaeus by Chanel– The other big French release of 1981. Antaeus has some mild similarities to Kouros, but really does its own thing. Leathery, masculine, rose, with an animalic quality that is present in the beginning.

The floral and cleaner notes really come through towards the tail-end of things, along with a pretty powerful musk note.

Really, this is my full recollection of testing out this scent a few years back. It’s not one that I’m super familiar with and do need to acquire it for further review.

I will say, Antaeus is one that probably needs to be tested by guys before they commit to purchasing a full bottle. It can be pretty divisive, but ultimately, I think it’s highly wearable for the right type of guy.

Woody Zino

Zino Davidoff by Zino Davidoff for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 4.2 Ounce– Another one that gets lost in the shadow if its much more popular label-mate. Zino Davidoff doesn’t get the same love as Cool Water, but it still has its place in history.

It’s a total 1980s fragrance, that provides something different from most modern releases, while note feeling out of date itself.

Masculine with enough sweetness in vanilla and floral notes. Yet, it is mainly a deep woody/patchouli fragrance that sits beautifully in the colder air of late autumn and winter.

Very well done. Smooth and not too heavy, but with enough performance to get through a standard work day.

Earthy with a dry woods, it comes together as clean, but definitely has an underlying dirtiness.

The Famous Davidoff

Davidoff Cool Water Edt Spray for Men, 6.7 oz– Ahh, Cool Water. The fragrance will probably never go away, has spun off a ton off different flankers, and continues to be a popular seller with the public.

Greenish blue opening act, with tobacco and mint really playing a major role. The tobacco feels more like an unprocessed plant, rather than pipe tobacco.

Neroli and lavender round out the start along with the feeling of an aquatic accord. Though, this is way less oceanic than you might expect.

Later, it does start to feel more aquatic. Lavender, mint, and the general aquatic accord that this one has. Minty aquatic, less of its soapy phase from the early to mid point of the wear. Still worth checking out nowadays. Cool Water Review

Mr. Giorgio

Giorgio by Giorgio Beverly Hills– Giorgio definitely comes with that old school vibe. Last time that I tried it, the fragrance was an absolute bomb on my skin for at least a couple of hours. Then, it moderated somewhat.

But, this 1984 cologne does give you something different from almost all of the newer releases. Patchouli is the centerpiece. It’s earthy and somewhat dirty in its entirety, but still well put together.

Bright with aldehydes in support, some citrus, a handful of other spices and rose heading up the floral accord. Yet, it ends up being mostly about that patchouli, moss, and a honey touch overall. Not for everyone, but it slides into a place on this list.

Early Versace

Versace L’Homme by Versace for Men – 3.4 Ounce EDT Spray– Admittedly, I overlooked this 1980s classic, the first go round with this list of top Versace colognes. L’Homme really is a fantastic scent and is now available at a great price.

Beyond that, it has so much depth, and a varied character. It opens up with a bold blend of citrus notes, headlined by lemon, and supported by bergamot.

Then, it dries down with leather, a cinnamon spice, and a mix of floral/woodsy notes. It’s got a clean aroma, with the citrus and leather. But then, the patchouli and other dry earthy elements come in, and dirty things up a tad.

It ends, as a smooth and dry citrus, with an air of absolute fresh spiciness. The longevity is good and the sillage can be pretty powerful, especially in the opening half hour or so. Very masculine and not really a teenager type of fragrance, at all.

Two Diors

Eau Sauvage Extreme Intense– So, I’m going to combine two different Dior fragrances into one post.

Reason being, I haven’t tried the 1980s editions of these fragrances, and both have been reformulated but are available in these newer forms (well, one is and the other on secondary  markets).

Eau Sauvage Extreme and Jules are two from the first half of the decade, that preceded the next entry on the list.

I’m much more familiar with Eau Sauvage Extreme than Jules (which I remember trying, but don’t remember much of the smell). Extreme has a citrus, basil, and mint blend which is cool and fairly herbal early on in the wear.

Lavender and cedar come in to join the citrus as much of the initial fresh spiciness wears off. Extreme is good and supposedly pretty close to the 1980s edition.  Eau Sauvage Extreme Review

Temps Rising

Fahrenheit By Christian Dior For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.8 Oz.– Fahrenheit hit back in 1988 and it’s still going strong today, having spawned a ton of flanker fragrances based on this original formula.

As such, any 1980s list pretty much has to include it. While it’s not my personal go to, since violet leaf is one of my least favorite notes, I still appreciate this Dior scent versus many others that feature it so prominently.

Greenish, grassy, and that famed description of Fahrenheit smelling like gasoline. Sure, to some extent, but it’s overblown, and this one absolutely has a masculine refinement and great leather note.

It’s one that you have to vibe with, but for the right guy, this is signature cologne worthy. Fahrenheit Review


A Cartier Throwback

Cartier Santos De Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce– A definitively masculine scent from Cartier, which has plenty of unisex type of offerings. Spicy and woodsy with notes of amber, pepper, and sandalwood.

Santos starts off with a bit of a different tone, than what it’ll eventually settle down into. There is citrus at the top paired with juniper, along with prominent basil, and lavender. It’s got a upbeat and bright freshness to it, that invigorates.

As it dries down, there is a smoky woody aroma, led by sandalwood and the pepper/basil combo. The spice here is prevalent, but not annoyingly in your face, because it gets subdued by the trio of sandalwood/lavender/amber.

santos

Joop!

 Joop Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Fluid Ounce– Joop! is a fragrance that is pretty polarizing, but has continued to be pretty popular since the 1980s.

For this list, I’m adding it mostly for that reason, as I’m not too much of a fan anymore…though, I still sort of like it.

Cinnamon and patchouli bomb, up top. An intense spice that fills the room, Joop will become sweeter and a masculine floral. It just has always been a loud and pretty obnoxious cologne. I would wear this back in the day and get mixed reactions from other people.

Mostly, this is going to be a cinnamon and vanilla floral perfume. Honey and sandalwood help to flank the two main notes. I’d probably still wear it on occasion, if I had a bottle nowadays. But, I’m also not in the market for one. Joop! Review

Obsess Much?

Calvin Klein Obsession For Men Cologne, .5 fl oz– Obsession is one that had a very strong presence back in the late 1980s. It is still around, but doesn’t get the same play, that it once did.

Obsession has a lovely spice to it and features notes of mandarin, sandalwood, and amber. It’s got a great cinnamon led warmth and spice, that is supported by the nutmeg.

The amber creates a sort of an envelopment around the person wearing it and this is one of the reasons, that Obsession is so good during the winter time.

This is such a rich and enticing scent, good for everyday wear, but can also pull double duty as a date night go to. There is sweet vanilla and nutmeg, which help to round out the fragrance, and create a memorable wear.

Spicy and warm, yes, but also a smoky balsamic element that peaks through at times. The classic formulation of this was amazing, but it is still holding up well today.

Obsession has a good sillage and the longevity is decent, as well. This is a fragrance that can be worn in a variety of situations and has enough maturity for guys 30+.    My Obsession review

Drakkar

Drakkar Noir– Drakkar has to be on the list. It’s funny nowadays how this cologne has become somewhat of a punchline for ‘bad’ or ‘unwearable’ fragrances, while there’s nothing inherently offensive about it.

It’s actually pretty safe, so long as you don’t bathe in it, which is true for just about every other fragrance.

Personally, I’ve always found it to be just fine. I’ve never wanted full bottle, but also don’t hate the stuff. Drakkar is a dry and darker take on the classic soapy clean cologne.

It opens up with oakmoss and lavender already out in front, taking control of the structure. You get some cinnamon spice, a light citrus accord, and leathery facets. I tend to get a good deal of mint early, as well.

As it dries down, it becomes a woodsier aroma. A bit herbal, with the leather starting to come into play quite strongly. Again, it’s not bad and I somewhat like the scent. Yet, it still remains a best-seller, so there a plenty of guys who dig it. Drakkar Review

Love and Passion

Passion for Men by Elizabeth Taylor– Been a while since I last came across this one. Not sure if it has been completely reformulated, but the old stuff was good, and the current batches are super cheap.

I remember a bold spice early on of cinnamon, that was somewhat tempered by a lavender and the emerging vanilla note. Sweetness from some light fruity notes and citrus, all on top of a woody floral base of various ingredients.

Mostly, that citrus and lavender combination in the dry down phase with touches of the remaining sweetness, spices, and woods. If it is still anything like the older bottles, it’s a steal at the $20 or so that it goes for nowadays.

Dior Homme vs Sauvage EDT Comparison

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The House of Dior has produced a lot of amazing fragrances over the years for both men and women. Sauvage, has over the past decade, become the best selling fragrance on the market. The first men’s cologne to do so.

It has certainly been a best-seller for the company, but how does it stack up against other colognes from this brand? Today, I am going to do a comparison post of Sauvage EDT vs Dior Homme.

Which one smells better head to head? Which one is worth a purchase? Note: I am updating this post, for the newer edition of Dior Homme instead of the 2011 edition, which had been previously compared. They are quite different from one another.

Tale of the Tape

Sauvage

Notes of Sauvage: bergamot, ambroxan, lavender, pepper, wood notes

Click here to try: Christian Dior Sauvage for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce

My Original Sauvage Review

Dior Homme

Notes include: bergamot, elemi, pink pepper, Haitian vetiver, Atlas cedar, musk, patchouli, cashmere, Iso E Super

Click here to try: Dior Homme By Christian Dior For Men

Read my Full Review: Dior Homme (2020) Review

Opening

Sauvage starts off with a really sharp kick of bergamot, pepper, and the ambroxan note. It’s bright, upbeat, and clean.

The Sichuan pepper is pretty strong early one as is the bergamot. The citrus here is much more noticeable and in your face versus what you’ll get with its competitor here.

The lavender will take on more of a role later on, but it’s presence is felt throughout.

Meanwhile, Dior Homme,  begins with a light citrus top note of bergamot. That’s a continuation from the previous entries in the series, but that’s most of what the overlap is.

Along with that, some fresh pink pepper spice, Hatian vetiver, and a bit of a resinous quality from the elemi note.

Dior Homme is very balanced. Not too spicy, not too citrusy, just enough sweetness to prevent it from being straight up woods throughout.

Which one is better? Homme (though, I’d say Homme Intense has the best opening of the three).

Edge: Dior Homme

Projection

Dior Homme is a softer scent than is Sauvage. Though, I don’t think Sauvage is some kind of monstrous fragrance.

Homme is much more moderate and Sauvage leans more towards the strong end of the spectrum. Other editions of Sauvage really do amp up the power.

Dior Homme isn’t weak by any means. You’ll notice it throughout and get a nice scent trail going. Though, it never reaches the same level as Sauvage.

Edge: Sauvage

Longevity

Again, if you’re talking single sprays, Sauvage wins. It’s not a crazy long-lasting fragrance but it will get you a solid 7-8 hours.

Dior Homme is usually around 6.5-8 hours with single sprays. It’s actually about the same as the 2011 edition, and sometimes, even better than I got with that.

Some other people seem to get more out of Sauvage EDT than I ever have. So, I think on balance Sauvage has the upper limit for the majority of wearers. Otherwise, it’s almost even.

Edge: Sauvage

Versatility

As far as the seasonal wear of each scent, Sauvage does have this ability to fit in during any season really. This newer edition of Dior Homme actually comes close to replicating that.

Dior Homme isn’t at its best in the depths of winter or height of summer. Though, it  wouldn’t be out of place entirely in either season. Mostly, autumn and spring.

Sauvage is good for casual wear, school, maybe some office wear depending on where you work. It’s good for a night out, but wouldn’t be my first pick. Although, I know I’ve smelled this on other people while walking through crowds.

Dior Homme is an awesome daily wear. It can fit in well for work, casual situations, school, dates, etc. It’s not a nightlife beast, but if you want to be low key, it’d work for that as well.

Dior Homme has the slight edge for me here, since it’s more of a well put together fragrance that can do it all.

Edge: Dior Homme

Overall Scent

Dior Homme smells better to me, hands down. I think Sauvage is pleasant to wear but it’s always struck me as a little bit boring and now there are so many clones of it coming out.

I don’t like this 2020 update as much as I enjoyed the 2011 version. Yet, I still think that it takes the cake versus Dior Sauvage. It’s simple and understated. Plus, more mature than is Sauvage.

The performance goes to Sauvage EDT. I like aspects of the aroma as well. I’ve never been too big on the opening act or the dry down, but there are moments in the heart of Sauvage that are really nice.

It’s really not a question to me, as to which one I would rather wear on a daily basis. If you’re younger, you might want to go with the more youthful Sauvage. Or, if you just want something that is energetic and stands out more.

Winner: Dior Homme